Kolkata, December 18:
Olympic silver medallist and American sprint sensation Kenny Bednarek, the International Event Ambassador for the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, has expressed immense excitement about being part of India’s premier distance running event, describing it as a powerful platform that inspires communities to embrace fitness and active living.
Speaking ahead of the landmark 10th edition of the race, Bednarek emphasised that elite performance is driven as much by mental strength as physical preparation.
“Talent and training are important, but mindset decides everything on race day. Sprinting is nearly 90 per cent mental discipline. Responsibility, belief and recovery are key to performing consistently at the highest level,” he said.
A Mindset of Continuous Growth
Reflecting on his own journey at the top of world athletics, Bednarek spoke about the importance of constant learning and self-improvement.
“I’m always pushing myself to be better each year. Even after winning, I sit with my team to identify what more can be improved. There’s no such thing as perfection—only progress,” he shared during an interaction with students at the GD Birla Centre for Education.
Champion on the Global Stage
One of the world’s leading 200m sprinters, Bednarek is a double Olympic silver medallist, having finished runner-up in the men’s 200m at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, in addition to being a World Championships silver medallist. A consistent Diamond League performer, he boasts a personal best of 19.49 seconds and continues to be a dominant force in American sprinting.
Optimistic About the Future of Sprinting
Commenting on the resurgence of American sprinting, Bednarek said the outlook is highly promising.
“American sprinting has always been strong. Usain Bolt was in a league of his own, but right now the USA is in a very good position. With major championships coming up and the Olympics at home, the next few years will be extremely important,” he noted.
Encouraging Indian Athletes
Bednarek also expressed optimism about the future of Indian athletics.
“India has tremendous talent. With the right coaching systems, training structures and recovery methods, athletes here can achieve great success on the global stage,” he said, urging young athletes to remain focused and committed to their goals.
Commitment Beyond Competition
Sharing his views on long-term engagement with Indian sport, the Olympic medallist added,
“I’m always open to contributing in meaningful ways—through mentorship, interaction or sharing experiences. Sport has the power to change lives, and if my presence here helps that journey in India, I’d be proud to be part of it.”
A Celebration of Sport and Community
On India’s growing sporting culture, Bednarek highlighted the nation’s deep-rooted passion for sport.
“Whether it’s athletics, football, cricket or distance running, India’s love for sport is unmistakable. Events like this bring people together across age, background and ability.”
Summing up his excitement for race day, Bednarek said,
“This is not just a race, it’s a celebration. Seeing elite athletes, amateur runners and first-timers sharing the same road is truly inspiring. I’m really looking forward to experiencing race day up close and cheering the runners on.”
The presence of global icons like Kenny Bednarek adds further prestige to the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, reinforcing its status as one of Asia’s most inclusive and inspiring road races.
